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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

14" Stone Setting Shankha (Conch) | Made In Nepal

$205
Only 1 available
Specifications
WSC875
Copper with Stone Work
Height: 4 inch
Width: 14 inch
Depth: 7 inch
Weight: 1.05 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 10 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted with 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Sacred Shankha: A Symbol of Divinity

This exquisite 14-inch stone-setting Shankha (conch shell) is a testament to Nepalese artistry and spiritual significance. Crafted from copper and adorned with meticulous stonework, this ritual object transcends mere decoration; it embodies a profound connection to ancient beliefs and traditions. The conch shell, in many cultures, symbolizes the sacred sound of creation, the voice of the gods, and spiritual awakening. In Hinduism, the Shankha is closely associated with Vishnu, the preserver god, often depicted holding a conch shell that heralds his arrival and represents the triumph of good over evil. The swirling shape of the shell itself is often interpreted as representing the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. This piece, with its intricate details and vibrant gemstone inlay, elevates the symbolic power of the Shankha to a new level.

Intricate Craftsmanship and Design

The artistry of this Shankha is breathtaking. The copper body is meticulously embossed with intricate floral and symbolic patterns, a testament to the skill of the Nepalese artisans. The vibrant turquoise and coral stones, inlaid with precision, create a stunning visual contrast against the silver-toned metal. A central motif, featuring a stylized lotus blossom and possibly other religious symbols, adds further depth to the piece's spiritual significance. The lotus, a ubiquitous symbol in Eastern religions, represents purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth. The placement of the gems suggests a deliberate arrangement, perhaps reflecting a specific mantra or religious invocation. Each detail, from the delicately carved patterns to the precisely set stones, speaks to the dedication and expertise poured into its creation. This is more than just a decorative item; it is a piece of living art, imbued with spiritual intention.

Beyond Ornament: Ritual and Significance

Shankhas have played a significant role in religious ceremonies and rituals across various cultures for centuries. Their resonant sound was believed to purify spaces, ward off evil spirits, and evoke divine blessings. In Buddhist traditions, the conch's sound is used during ceremonies and rituals, often to mark significant moments or to call for attention. This particular Shankha, given its elaborate adornment, might have been used in high-level ceremonies or belonged to a revered figure. The inlaid stones, likely turquoise and coral, are believed to possess spiritual properties and add to the piece's symbolic power. These natural gemstones are often revered for their healing properties and connection to the earth's energy. Owning this piece is not just acquiring a beautiful object but also inheriting a connection to a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual practices.

A Piece of Nepalese Heritage

This Shankha is more than just an artifact; it's a piece of living history. Created in Nepal, a land steeped in ancient traditions and artistic excellence, it represents the enduring legacy of skilled craftsmanship. Nepal's rich cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with its religious beliefs, making this Shankha a tangible representation of this fusion. The piece stands as a powerful link to the spiritual traditions of the Himalayas, where ancient practices and artistic expression continue to flourish. Bringing this Shankha into your home is not merely a purchase; it is the acquisition of a piece of Nepalese cultural heritage. It is an heirloom to be cherished and passed down through generations, a testament to the enduring power of artistry and faith.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.
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At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.
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The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.
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The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.
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